Masters - Is It Worth It?

I can't help but feel that by doing a Masters I will be in the same position as I will be this summer - clutching a piece of paper but having no real world experience.

That.

You seem to know the answer already. In the UK the number of graduates outweigh the number of graduate forensics positions. If you can't get direct experience right now get something which will help; for example IT support positions can give a lot of insight which can stand you in good steed for forensic roles.

You don't get a Master's for experience, you get it before you enter the workforce to get the salary bump.

I went out into the workforce for a few years, then did my masters and it worked really well for me. I found I was a lot more into it and it certainly helped move me up in employment as it shows employers you are working hard on self improvement, but it does take commitment studying and working f/t. Once you start working there's no going back to student life.

If I was hiring and I had a choice between two identical individuals with the single exception of Masters or no Masters, I would hire the one with Masters.

Thanks for your replies. When starting your first jobs, were you thrown in at the deep end or were you gradually given more responsibility? I'd much rather the latter approach though that is down to lack of confidence/nervousness rather than lack of ability.

I did the same as Jekyll. I got my computer degree in 2000 and worked in IT (various roles… including helpdesk, upto software engineer) and then did a part-time 2 years Masters in computer forensics, completed that in 2008.

I was made redundant in 2009, but hated the job anyway, so knew it was time to put that forensics Masters to the test… I had to move countries (from Ireland to UK) but landed the job in my first forensics LE role. Don't exactly know why (maybe great interview ) ) but hoping the experience and Masters had to have helped!
It might just seem like a piece of paper, but its a great, great piece of paper… things will get better in this recession and that "piece of paper" will stand you good in years to come, and to be honest, a Masters isn't a walk in the park, to have that certificate is something nobody can ever take away from you and its something you should be proud of earning!
Go for it man! do it D

I have the belief that a Masters should be completed after gaining experience for the reason I have outlined above, though I am just so confused about it all ?

I know it is hard to judge but would I be better off staying at uni which I don't particularly want to do, or attempt to look for a job?

Gradate school is a long hard slog especially if you don't want to do it.

Yes, the more experience you have the better you will do in the job market, but there is nothing wrong with going right into grad school after your undergraduate work.

What is your graduate program going to teach you that will make you a more compelling employee? If, for example, you attend a graduate program that transforms you into the mobile device forensic guru that you weren't before you entered the program, that could work out very well. If it's just going over what you already know, but with some more complexity, how does that help you?

You also have to ask yourself whether the money you will spend in graduate school will meet the cost\benefit analysis in the job market.

I'm currently doing a Master's part time - albeit in "Legal Studies" (specializing in digital forensic issues).

I'm finding that it helps me put my technical work and knowledge into a larger context and makes me think about everything from legislation to policy to social issues to general forensics.

There is no immediate pay-off for me but I expect that it may help open doors to a more policy oriented position at some point. The university has also asked me if I want to teach a course on computer forensics in their Law department after I finish.

I'm also lucky to live in a country where tuition is still affordable. I estimate the total cost for my MA will be around $7000 (spread over 3 years).

I would advise people to get technical training, co-op experience if possible, and get a job first. Then think about a Master's.

Personally I think a masters will have the most benefit to you (from an educational perspective) after you have some real world experience. I find that students who do have practical experience gain far more from the courses because they are able to relate what they are learning to their own experience, this helps both understanding and motivation.*

In terms of helping you get a job, when working in LE our only requirement for civilian employees was that they held a Degree in Comp Sci, or similar. Every-time we advertised an entry level position we were inundated with good applications. Most of the ones we ended up selecting had no experience in DF but did have experience as sys admins, programmers or consultants. Most did not have a Masters degree. However once you want to start getting promoted a Masters comes in handy. (note that my experience relates to Australia, things may be a bit different in Wales).

*Of course if I had my way no one would be able to enter tertiary education until they had at least a year of experience working or traveling and learning something of the real world.